The impact of abuse or neglect on children can be profound. The consequences can affect physical, cognitive, psychological and behavioral development for these children, carrying over into adolescence and even adulthood (Office of Child Abuse and Neglect).

Guilford County statistics on abused/neglected children

During the 2015 fiscal year, the Department of Health and Human Services received 5,667 Child Protective Services reports involving the alleged maltreatment of more than 10,500 children. (myguilford.com).

Substance abuse, lack of knowledge of child development, single parenting, isolation, poverty, a history of domestic violence, and many other factors may contribute to the likelihood that a child will be abused (Family Service of the Piedmont).

Children who are abused are at a higher risk for crime, substance abuse, dropping out, teen pregnancy and a host of other social ills (Family Service of the Piedmont).

Guilford County statistics on foster care

As of April 1, 2016 there are currently 422 children in foster care in Guilford County (myguilford.com).

Children in foster care face many uncertainties and challenges. The experiences they have will have lasting influences on them. Depending on the setting in which children are living during their foster care experience (ex: kinship or relative’s home, family foster homes, group or residential care), a lack of trust, failure to attach and lower academic achievement may be among the difficulties they face (GlobalPost Article).

Guilford County statistics on homelessness

During the 2013-2014 school year, Guilford County Schools reported that at least 2,800 students in the school system experienced homelessness (Guilford County Schools).

Children experiencing homelessness exhibit higher rates of chronic and acute physical and mental health problems. Among school-aged homeless children, 47% have problems including anxiety and depression, as compared to housed children of the same age (National Center on Family Homelessness).

Guilford County statistics of refugee children

An August 2013 presentation given at the Health and Social Services Conference, identified that 465 “School Age Arrivals” came to Guilford County, NC between July 2010- June 2013.

The term “refugee” refers to a very specific population of individuals who are fleeing their home country (usually due to conflict in their homeland) and have applied for legal “refugee status” within a country.

North Carolina statistics on children impacted by abuse/neglect, foster care and homelessness

The number of children reported for abuse and neglect was 126,962 during the July 2015- June 2016 timeframe. The vast number of such reports result in children being removed from their homes and entering the foster care system (Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina).

It has been reported that 16,160 children entered NC DSS foster care custody during the period from January 2016- December 2016 (Child Welfare).

Throughout our State, children continue to be impacted by homelessness. In 2012-2013, there were 55,204 children experiencing homelessness across North Carolina (Homeless Children America).

National statistics on children impacted by abuse/neglect, foster care and homelessness

In 2013, 3.1 million children received preventative services from Child Protective Services agencies in the United States (National Childrens Alliance).

1 in 30 children experience homelessness in America each year (over 2.5 million children). National data shows that 42% of children in homeless families are less than 6 years of age (National Center on Family Homelessness).